Popular Tourist Destination in South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal is a vibrant and fascinating province, offering a melting pot of cultures, traditions and experiences. The pulsating city of Durban is the province's gateway and home to Africa's busiest harbour.
Its expansive golden beaches, the traditional Zulu culture and a captivating historical heritage characterizes KwaZulu-Natal. Here visitors will be able to enjoy an abundance of adventure sports, exciting game viewing opportunities, historical journeys, cultural excursions and exhilarating water based activities.
KwaZulu-Natal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa, due largely to its spectacular beaches, warm hospitality and pleasant year round weather. Travellers descend onto this South African jewel in search of a unique experience, combining the sophistication and finesse of a first world country, with the rich cultural diversity and hospitable atmosphere synonymous with South Africa.
Climate of KwaZulu-Natal
Often referred to as 'KZN', KwaZulu-Natal, is a province of contrasts, from the lowland region along the Indian Ocean coast, the hilly central region of the Natal Midlands, to the craggy mountainous areas of the Drakensberg and Lebombo Mountains in the north. KZN experiences a subtropical climate, mainly along the coast.
Summers are wet, hot and humid, with pleasant nights, whereas winter enjoys warm to hot days and cold and chilly nights. Ladysmith in the Tugela River Valley will experience summer temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius during the day, but dropping below freezing point during winter nights.
The Drakensberg can also experience heavy snow during winter, with light snow on the highest peaks in summer. The Zululand north coast experiences the warmest climate with the highest humidity.
Southern Midlands Meander
If you want to put a bit of Africa back into the Midlands Meander, instead of heading north from Durban and Pietermaritzburg, head south through Richmond and the precipitous Hella-HeIla Gorge. This will take you across Josephine's Bridge and over the Mkomazi River to the Southern Midlands Meander.
Contrary to popular belief, this route is far more varied and interesting than the northern section, but okay, it's not as Jersey-cow, full-cream, fat-of-the-land as its counterpart. Places to visit are Qunu or 'Thunder' Falls, Centocow Mission and Highover Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as all the lovely towns and villages of the region - Ixopo, Donnybrook, Creighton, Bulwer and Underberg, right under the Berg.
It's a wilder, more mountainous, more frontier kind of place than the northern part - more Nguni cow than Jersey - with less moss sticking to the trees and people, but no less mojo. And the prices of things are more Scottburgh than Sandton.